After ten seasons, nine final four appearances and four state titles, Lake Highland Prep lacrosse head coach Chris Spaulding has decided to step down and return to his hometown in upstate New York. Spaulding took over the Highlanders in 2008 and transformed the unknown program into a national power and perennial state title contender including a state runner-up finish this season.
"Chris Spaulding is not only an outstanding coach who inspires and instructs his players to work hard and achieve their best, but he is also an exemplary teacher of AP US History- with an AP exam pass rate approaching 100%," Lake Highland President Dr. David Rowe said in a press release. "Perhaps Chris’ greatest accomplishment is his dedication to building strong relationships with his players, and his focus on transforming their character and leadership abilities. We will miss him in the classroom and on the field.”
Assistant head coach Jeff Vander Meulen has been named the new head coach effective immediately after spending the past eleven seasons with Spaulding's staff as the offensive coordinator. Vander Meulen played lacrosse at Colgate University where he holds multiple scoring records that still stand today.